VeNews February 23, 2001

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Leadership Online

Today is the first day of Vesper's entrance into a new area—providing leadership training online. This electronic classroom enables participants to learn selected leadership topics in a completely electronic manner.

The project that is first to use this approach is the health leadership project, named the Ecumenical Leadership Institute. Sixteen participants representing health organizations in six denominations are involved in the project. The online learning component is one of several learning strategies employed by the project.

The online component allows participants to access content through mini-lectures delivered by a faculty member. Participants can log on to the network at a time and place that is convenient for them. The content of the leadership training was developed by faculty chosen for their expertise in the given subject area and for their ability to direct individuals and groups to participate in online dialogue, e-mail, and web-based learning.

The learning is guided by a person skilled in this type of interface. The guide communicates with each learner, leading them through the sign-on process, introducing the course content, and then to the space where threaded discussions occur. Learning sessions are set up on a bi-weekly schedule. Faculty pose questions related to the content, and participants respond in small groups. These threaded discussions take place among participants and can be monitored by faculty. In addition, faculty guide and provide focus to the discussion.

The experience is being closely evaluated including attention to quality of content, ease of use of the technology, and overall quality of the learning experience. Results of the evaluation will be used to determine future Vesper plans for offering selected kinds of leadership training online.

For ongoing information about leadership training online, contact us at .

Vesper Society is a private operating foundation with programs in leadership, health, and Central America. Our mission is to create opportunities for individuals, groups, and organizations to apply moral and ethical values in decision making on social and economic issues.